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Wednesday, 29 March 2017

Melancholy Mind - Charlene McElhinney

In my bookcase you will find many novels where the main character has been diagnosed with a mental health condition but the one book relating to the topic I never had was one of poetry, until now.

Charlene McElhinney has written a collection of poems based around her experience of depression and anxiety and I can't thank her enough for putting into words how it actually feels, what goes through your mind and want to scream at people who don't believe you.

Poetry is something I have always liked but never read enough of. There was never a chance I was passing this book over. Mental health is something I am very passionate about and sharing, not only my experience, but other peoples experiences is very important in educating other. Here is an extract from the book that really hit home with me and explains perfectly how it feels.

The book is broke down into sections based on each stage of her condition,

Reality

Symptoms and Causes

Love

Insomnia

Medication

Recovery and Coping

Each chapter covers the feelings and emotion from the moment you realise something isn't quite right, the battle and the light at the end of the tunnel. I did cry quite a few times, tears of joy that someone had put into words everything I felt, knowing I was not alone.

The other sections are,

Help and Contacts

Blog Snippet

Twitter Feedback

The help and contacts section is a fantastic addition to the book as there is an organisation for everyone and will help to encourage people to get the help they need or even just reach out and talk.

Charlene's blog is fantastic and one I love to read. Click here to read.

I was delighted to read the Twitter feedback section of the book and see so many reached out to give, in a couple of sentences, their experience and how it affects their life.

Never has a book spoke to me so much and made me feel strong and successful. A very important book and one I recommend everyone read.

I bought my copy on Amazon for the amazing price of £10.99 for paperback.